NOW is The Time to Start Holiday Shopping?

Due to the commercialism surrounding out holidays (especially Christmas), it seems in poor taste to start Christmas shopping now. But, really, it might actually be a good idea to get out there and start the Christmas shopping early. My husband and I have already bought some presents for our nieces, and we are thinking about what to get our parents. This is actually a rather sensible approach. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. The California Society of CPAs offers this on starting your holiday shopping early:

You may not be in the holiday shopping mood yet, but shopping early provides several advantages – for example look at Labor Day sales opportunities. First, you can comparison shop and watch for sales, which can mean a huge savings. Second, you’re less prone to impulse shopping. Third, waiting until the last days often means you can’t be as selective and you’re more likely to pay full price or simply grab something expensive out of desperation. Waiting to the last minute also can mean expensive last-minute postage. Key message: Buy stuff on sale. Stretching the holiday season gives you more time to capitalize on sale prices and out-of-season merchandise.

Labor Day may be over, but in this recession, there are bound to be more sales. And you can spread your shopping out so that it doesn’t make such a big impact. We normally get gift cards to restaurants for my siblings and their spouses, so we’ll start buying the gift cards, one or two a month, from now until December. That way, it’s not one big, expensive commercial splurge. And it gives us time to thoughtfully think about what our gift recipients might enjoy most.

Do you start your holiday shopping early?

Image source: Daylife